GLP-1 medications have had a transformative impact, but now there are concerns about a worrying new side-effect. Is it a security concern or merely a social media fright? To find out, we spoke with a doctor.
We’ve heard about ‘Ozempic face’ and even ‘Ozempic bum’. But now people are talking about a new side effect – and it’s unexpected.
Despite the fact that it was developed to treat people with type 2 diabetes, the popularity of the Ozempic has grown. The medication slows down digestion, which reduces people’s appetite, causing significant weight loss, in the same way that it does approved weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which mimic the hormone GLP-1.
While many patients, including celebrities, have high praise for the medicines for their life-changing benefits, some have also flagged some significant side effects. A small number of users have reported having intense gastrointestinal problems, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and even acute kidney injuries. And while these symptoms are incredibly damaging, they are thankfully rare.
However, there is one side effect that everyone now seems to be talking about, dubbed ‘Ozempic feet’ – and we spoke with Dr Matthew McCarter, clinical lead at Try Habitual, to find out more. Speculation mounted around Sharon Osbourne’s recent Instagram post, with fans questioning whether she was experiencing a sign of ‘Ozempic feet’ or perhaps just a natural sign of ageing.
Sharon, 71, first admitted to using weight loss drugs in 2023. And in podcast with Howie Mandel, she declared: “It’s not a sin to use Ozempic if you have a weight problem, so why not talk about it?”
However, Dr. Matthew confirmed that “Ozempic feet are not a medical condition that is recognized.” It has become a term used on social media and the media landscape to describe foot discomfort and changes in appearance that some people who take GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro have reported.
How do feet lose weight when they lose weight?
In general, losing weight can affect how much body fat is distributed. Dr. Matthew claims that rapid weight loss, regardless of form, will result in a decrease in subcutaneous fat, even in feet, as a result of lifestyle changes or medications. The feet’ soles, which also naturally lose fat padding as they age, might be affected by this. Fast fat loss alone is not typically the sole cause of foot pain.
Many people find that losing weight actually lessens the strain on their feet and lessens foot pain.
Does losing weight quickly cause foot pain or even mobility issues?
Rapid weight loss may cause temporary discomfort or altering walking patterns in some cases. However, Dr. Matthew emphasizes that these symptoms are not unique to GLP-1 medications; rather, the trials reveal a completely different pattern.
He claims that the STEP-9 trial demonstrated improvements in the patient’s pain from Wegovy-related knee osteoarthritis, which is thought to be the result of weight loss as well as a potential anti-inflammatory effect. He also points out that in another trial, patients with heart failure (predominantly older) showed improvement symptomatically when taking Wegovy. Additionally, their physical capacity increased.
Is the discomfort experienced by some people when walking on their feet permanent?
The majority of people find that their pain will lessen once their bodies begin to adjust to losing weight. Patients should see a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist or worsen while they are painful.
According to Dr. Matthew, “patients with high BMI and a recent increase in activity levels are very susceptible to conditions like plantar fasciitis.”
“Patients with diabetes or those who have a sudden drop in their blood sugar may be at fault for their foot numbness, pins and needles, or pain.”
Foot pain may be brought on by the rise in activity levels, which may shock the body, but is a crucial factor in weight management.
In summary, the term “Ocempic feet” is used to describe the tangible and physical changes that occur when people lose weight quickly; however, it is not limited to GLP-1 medication. We’re seeing side effects more frequently as more people turn to these treatments, but they might not be as severe as the viral terms suggest.
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Source: Mirror
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